The Dorte-Hilleke-Bücherei, Menden’s public library, is preparing to relocate from the historic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) after nearly three decades, leaving the future of the landmark building open to debate. The move, slated for completion in 2025, will observe the library move into the recent Küster-Geschäftshaus on Nordwall.
Constructed between 1911 and 1912, the Altes Rathaus was built in response to a population boom driven by industrialization in Menden, according to the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz. Designed by Regierungsbaumeister Carl Moritz, the building quickly became a central feature of the city’s Marktplatz and, alongside the nearby Vincenz-Kirche, a defining landmark. The building is considered one of the most beautiful in Menden’s city center.
Currently, the Altes Rathaus houses both the Dorte-Hilleke-Bücherei and the city’s Kulturbüro (Cultural Office). The building as well contains a publicly accessible Lesecafé (reading café) that operates during library hours. The Altes Rathaus’s notable features include a Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) staircase and the historic Alte Ratssaal (Old Council Chamber).
The Alte Ratssaal currently serves multiple functions for the city, including hosting children’s theater performances, author readings, and concerts. This proves also licensed as a Trausaal (ceremony hall) for civil wedding ceremonies, with bookings managed exclusively through the Standesamt (civil registry office). A recent guided tour in October 2024, co-hosted by the city library and the city archive, highlighted the building’s historical features, including hidden stained-glass windows and depictions of the Westfalenross (Westphalian horse).
With the library’s departure, the Menden city council is considering several options for the building’s future. The USF and UWG/FW factions have proposed transforming the Altes Rathaus into a startup and Gründerzentrum (founder center), featuring coworking spaces and offices for the city’s Wirtschaftsförderung (economic development) and Stadtmarketing (city marketing) departments. The CDU has stated that the future employ should be determined in collaboration with citizens, suggesting a combination of uses.
The building’s future remains undecided as of late July 2025, with the city council continuing to evaluate proposals. No firm timeline for a final decision has been announced.
